WA Police to be handed lethal force powers in dealing with terrorism

Can Optus Stadium withstand a terror attack?

VideoTraining is under way to ensure Perth's newest icon can withstand any terror threat.

New lethal force powers will be introduced into State Parliament today, giving greater clarity to police dealing with a “declared” terrorism incident.

Coming in the wake of criticism of how NSW Police managed the 2014 Lindt Cafe siege, Police Minister Michelle Roberts wants WA officers to have more certainty in decision making during an act of terrorism.

Once the police commissioner declares the unfolding incident to be terrorism-related, then his officers would know they can take pre-emptive action.

In the case of the Lindt Cafe, police hesitated in dealing with gunman Man Haron Monis because it was unclear if he intended to harm any of his hostages.

When police finally stormed the cafe after gunshots were heard, two hostages and Monis died.

“Our police and other agencies are doing all they can to protect us from the threat of terrorism,” Mrs Roberts said. “We want to make sure our police have the necessary legal protections to respond to any terrorist situation with confidence.”

“This all part of a broader national approach to respond to violent extremist acts,” Mr McGowan said.

“In the event police might need to take pre-emptive action to save hostages, under these laws they will now have the confidence to respond with deadly force.”

The legislation comes after evidence to a parliamentary inquiry investigating the protection of crowded places from terrorist acts from the Security Agents Institute of WA, which raised concerns about the level of counter-terrorism training for officers.

SAIWA president Michael Dyer and member Izzy Green told the inquiry that security guards were given only half a day of training, despite them likely being first responders in the event of an attack.

“Their training is inadequate, their salary is inadequate ... they don’t get trained well, or looked after well,” Mr Green said.